The Meaning of Meaning: A Study of the Influence of Language Upon Thought and on the Science of Symbolism (Ark Paperback) - Softcover

Ogden, C.K.; Richards, I.A.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0744800331 ISBN 13: 9780744800333

Publisher: Taylor & Francis Books Ltd, 1985

Synopsis

Highly influential work on linguistic meaning - a forerunner of modern ideas on semantics.

About this title

From the Back Cover

"Language is the most important of all the instruments of civilization." The authors state this premise boldly in their preface to "The Meaning of Meaning," a classic work whose significance--and challenge--to the study of language, literature, and philosophy has remained undiminished since its original publication.

Much about language continues to be only hazily understood, distorted by our habitual attitude--often one of indifference--toward words, or by lingering assumptions based on discredited theories. What IS the relationship between words and what the words refer to? Between words and the way we think? Can understanding such matters lead to greater precision in communication? Readers considering these questions find themselves at the crossroads of linguistics and communications theory, of literary criticism and philosophy--an interdisciplinary nexus claimed by the increasingly influential field of semiotics--and "The Meaning of Meaning" will prove, as it has over the last six decades, an essential resource.

In his introduction Umberto Eco, emininent novelist and, not coincidentally, semiotician, provides a fascinating perspective on this pioneering work that continues to disturb intellectual complacency and provoke thought and discussion.

About the Author

Charles Kay Ogden (June 1, 1889 Fleetwood, Lancashire – March 21, 1957 London) was an English linguist, philosopher, and writer.
Ivor Armstrong Richards (26 February 1893 in Sandbach, Cheshire – 7 September 1979 in Cambridge) was an influential English literary critic and rhetorician. His books, especially The Meaning of Meaning, Principles of Literary Criticism, Practical Criticism, and The Philosophy of Rhetoric, proved to be founding influences for the New Criticism. The concept of 'practical criticism' led in time to the practices of close reading, what is often thought of as the beginning of modern literary criticism. Richards is regularly considered one of the founders of the contemporary study of literature in English.

Edition details

• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Books Ltd
• Publication date: 1985
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0744800331
• ISBN 13: 9780744800333
• Binding: Paperback